mercy | MULIEBRAL VIEWPOINT

GOD HEARS HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD

Posted on March 19, 2021March 18, 2021 by BETH

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Several metaphors are used to show the relationship between Jesus and His church or the “called out” ones. We often read of Jesus as the Good Shepherd with Christians being His sheep. We are children with God as our Father and Jesus as our older Brother. We are God’s husbandry and His building (1 Corinthians 3:9), Christ’s household (Hebrews 3:6). Other analogies speak of Jesus as the Vine and His disciples as the branches (John 15:1-5). The church is called His body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 2:22-23; 3:6; 4:4-16; Colossians 1:18), with Jesus being the Head of that body. Scriptures are replete with lessons about the kingdom (Matthew 13:38-42; 16:15-19; Mark 9:1; 14:25; Luke 17:20-21; John 3:3-5; Ephesians 2:19; Acts 1:3) with Jesus being the King of that kingdom. A deeper study of the church reveals about ten such metaphors with each comparison given to help us see our position or relationship to each other, to God and to Jesus.

Focusing on the temple analogy, we see Christ is the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:6-9), and we are “lively stones” in that one temple (1 Peter 2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Revelation 3:12), while the apostles are the foundation (Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:19-22; Revelation 21:14). We are called “living” or “lively stones” in His holy temple.

Under the Old Testament Law, the stones of a building had to be cleansed if they became “infected” to be sure the whole building was not polluted (Leviticus 14:34-57). In a similar way today, we cleanse the “living stones” of the spiritual temple (the church) or deliver them to Satan for the benefit of the whole congregation (1 Corinthians 5:1-7; 2 Corinthians 7:12). We must purge out the leaven (sin) so the whole building/temple/body comprised of other living stones can be saved.

Christians also serve as His holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and it is our duty to offer up spiritual sacrifices (Psalm 50:14, 23; 141:2; John 4:23-24; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16), because this is acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:11; 4:18; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). Using the analogy of a royal priesthood, we see our relationship to our own High Priest. First of all, the priests in the Old Testament, chosen from the tribe of Levi (specifically the sons of Aaron), were continually serving God in the tabernacle (prior to the Temple), and He dealt with them there (Numbers 3:3-10; 2 Chronicles 13:10; 26:18; Luke 1:5-23). Today, we are a holy priesthood, a chosen people of God (Romans 8:28-29; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Ephesians 1:3-5; James 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9), and we serve Him in much the same way Aaron’s sons served under the Old Covenant, except that our sacrifices are primarily spiritual rather than physical (John 4:24).

As priests, we not only have a right to pray directly to God, but it is our duty to pray as part of our spiritual sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15). Like the priests in the Old Testament Temple, our prayers are heard because we have authority to go to God directly (John 16:23; Ephesians 2:18). We are priests of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched (Hebrews 8:2; 9:11; 9:22-24) and Jesus is our high priest (Hebrews 2:17-18; 3:1).

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Beth Johnson

Chennai Teacher Training School

Women’s Studies

Muliebral Viewpoint

Articles and Books by Beth Johnson

THE HEART OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS by Brett Johnson

Posted on November 8, 2019November 8, 2019 by BETH

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” (1 Pet. 2:21).

As we look briefly at a number of qualities, is there any situation that Jesus could have shown each of these qualities more clearly than He did on the cross?

OBEDIENCE

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross ( 2:5-8).

Are we called to be that obedient?

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life ( 2:8-10).

If we are supposed to be obedient even if we have to die to obey, then what other things should stop us from obeying? Because we don’t “feel like it”?

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things (John 8:28).

As Jesus hung on the cross, everyone could see how completely He obeyed God.

SUBMISSION

With what heart did Jesus obey? Is it possible to do what is required of us, but to do it unwillingly?

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done(Luke 22:41-42).
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:6-7).

Submitting to God requires humility – accepting whatever His will for us is, even if that is not what we would have chosen.

Submitting to God requires submitting to those He has placed over us as well.

Obeythem that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you ( 13:17).

With what attitude do we obey – rebellion, or willingness?

FAITH

Submitting completely requires faith in God’s goodness.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (Luke 23:46).
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be comparedwith the glory which shall be revealed in us ( 8:18).

We can be okay with whatever happens because we so strongly believe God’s promise that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. I might not be able to imagine how that could be, but I believe God’s promise enough to act on it.

HUMILITY

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross ( 2:5–8).

As Creator, Jesus humbled Himself greatly to even come to earth at all. How much humility did it require to make Himself the servant of the people He had created, and to suffer like a criminal at their hands!

Do I feel “entitled” to decent treatment? I’m definitely not as “entitled” as Jesus was! If people treated Jesus badly, they certainly could treat me badly.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? ( 10:25).

How much greater was Jesus than these people? But He chose to put Himself under them, because He chose the heart of a servant. I might be equal to my sister, but can I choose to make myself her servant?

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many ( 20:25 – 28).

Jesus said that when they lifted Him up, they would see He did nothing of Himself, but only what the Father taught Him. If He is my Master, then I should not do anything of myself either. Whatever my Master says, I should do, even if it is as hard as dying!

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3 – 4).

Humility made Jesus accept that God was in control of His life; He could have controlled what happened to Him and prevented those people from killing Him, but He humbled Himself to commit His life to God.

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (1 Pet. 4:19).

MERCY

Jesus had mercy even on the ones who were in the process of killing Him.

And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him (Luke 22:50 – 51).
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth ( 42:3).

Remember how much God values every soul, and doesn’t want even one to perish. Jesus didn’t want people to get what they deserved, so we shouldn’t either.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

If Jesus died so that those who were killing Him might have a chance to repent, how merciful should we be to those who may have wronged us?

But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died ( 14:15).

He probably knew that many would not repent, but He still had mercy on them to give them a chance.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance ( 9:13).

How much mercy has God had on me? But I cannot have any mercy on others?

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? ( 18:32 – 33).

MEEKNESS

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth ( 53:7).

How much meekness did Jesus have not to react to those who were spitting on Him, mocking Him, taunting Him to prove it if He were really the Christ!

Remember that God allows these situations for us to be tested.

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:11).

Did Jesus have the same understanding that David did, when Shimei cursed him? If it is God’s will for us to be tested, we should have the meekness not to rebel against God’s way of testing us.

And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. 12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day. (2 Sam. 16:11 – 12).

As long as someone is not perfect, the devil can use their imperfections to be a trial to me. This is God’s will. I also have had struggles, which may have been used to test others, so I can’t get angry with others.

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way ( 14:13).

FORGIVENESS

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots (Luke 23:33 – 34).

Has anyone done this much wrong to us? How can there be anything we would not then forgive someone for?

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you ( 4:32).

God has forgiven us so much, how could we not forgive others?

If we have the meekness and understanding not to get angry over offenses, and If we understand that it is God’s will for us to be tested by others weaknesses, then we can remember our own weaknesses and encourage each other to grow without holding a grudge against them.

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: (1 Cor. 12:18, 21 – 22).

TEMPERANCE

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Pet 2:22 – 23).

How hard is it not to lash out when someone is physically hurting us!

His temperance required not only a great knowledge and wisdom and faith to understand and accept the situation, but also a huge amount of spiritual might to be able to control His lips.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city ( 16:32).

Jesus’ control over His words on the cross show that His heart had become fully complete.

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).

ENDURANCE

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? ( 26:53 – 54).

How did Jesus have so much patience that even though He knew He could end the situation instantly and “show” them their mistake, He endured that much pain for that many hours?

Jesus understood why these things had to happen, and had built up that endurance by passing every other test of His faith up to that day.

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:3 – 4).
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14 – 15).

What things are we called to endure? Anything nearly as painful and miserable as what Jesus went through? What shouldn’t we be willing to endure for His sake, considering what He endured for us?

For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Pet 2:20 – 21).

This gains us great favor with God.

HOPE

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope ( 8:20).

Jesus came to earth with a specific purpose in mind, which He had faith in and was hoping for. Hope of something wonderful can give us motivation to endure!

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it ( 8:24 – 25).
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, ( 1:16 – 19).

Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they would grow in knowledge and wisdom so that they would understand their hope. It is worth waiting for! Even if we don’t see how it could possibly.

JOY

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God ( 12:2).

Jesus endured all that for the joy that was set before Him. You wouldn’t think that joy would be what was in His mind as He was hanging on the cross!

Joy can come from understanding and having great hope in the work of God. Then we can have joy in even the worst-seeming situations, because God promises that He will work out ALL things for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose ( 8:28).
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (2 Cor. 4:8 – 10).

The more we understand the work of God, the more we can rejoice. Even in the middle of a horrible situation understanding the work of God can show us there are things to rejoice in, but we have to grow in the ability to rejoice. And choose to rejoice rather than complain!

LOVE

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

Jesus’ death shows us the greatest love that there could be – the same love that we are called to have.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ( 5:7 – 8).

That love might sometimes seem unimaginable – that He loved not only those who followed Him, but also His enemies – doing good even for those who were hatefully hurting Him.

Yet we’re called to the same love:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect ( 5:44, 45, 48).

How can we learn to love like this? If we never do anything for these people, do we value them? How much does God do for these people? He sent His Son to die for them, besides His daily care. He values each soul, and doesn’t want them to be lost! If we spend all our lives for these people like Jesus did, it will matter to us that these souls we’ve worked so hard for not be lost!

Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? (Jonah 4:10 – 11).
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish ( 18:12 – 14).

If a parent has a child who does wrong, do they hate that child, or grieve for them and do everything they can to bring that soul back to the Lord again? It is possible to learn to love every soul like that. God does!

Is it possible to form such a heart in ME?

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen ( 3:14 – 21).

To What Does Jesus’ Death Obligate Me?

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God (1 Pet. 4:1-2).
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

Because His hands were driven through,
Take and bind my hands for you.

Because His feet the nails endured,
Send mine far to spread your word.

Because His tongue clave to His jaws,
Proclaim with mine your righteous laws.

Because His back was made to bleed,
Use mine to bear the brethren’s needs.

Because His flesh was marred and torn,
Take and use mine ‘til it’s worn.

Because for love He, anguished, died,
Give me the strength to be crucified!

In Jesus’ name, AMEN

Beth Johnson

Chennai Teacher Training School

Women’s Studies

Muliebral Viewpoint

Articles and Books by Beth Johnson

BIBLE WARDROBES AND THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN’S SPIRITUAL CLOTHING – Lesson 7 – SPOILS OF WAR WARDROBE

Posted on October 22, 2018 by BETH

Lesson 7 – SPOILS OF WAR WARDROBE

“And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria” (2 Chr. 28:15).

In 2 Chronicles, chapter 28, the Lord describes how the leaven of Ahaz spread to all Judah so the people of Judah spoiled their own wardrobe like the wicked northern nation of Israel. It is a very short chapter with only twenty-seven verses. We learn that Ahaz was a son of Jotham and the 11th king of Judah (2 Kings 15:38,16). He was an ungodly king who promoted the worship of Molech, with its pagan rites of human sacrifice (2 Chr. 28:1-4). Judah worshipped molten images of Baalim and offered their own children as sacrifices to false gods in the valley of Hinnom. What was God’s response? He delivered them into the hands of the king of Syria, who “smote them” and carried the multitude away as captives to Damascus.

God also delivered them into the hands of the king of Israel, who slaughtered many. The children of Israel carried away captive of their own brethren, 200,000 women, sons and daughters of the slaughtered men and took much spoil before they brought them to Samaria. Amazing as it may seem, a prophet of the Lord was there whose name was Oded, who told them plainly that God had delivered Judah into their hands because He was angry with them; however, God’s wrath would be upon Israel if they did not let them go free. Israel had purposed to keep the people of Judah for slaves, but Oded reminded them of their own wickedness and how they had better show mercy to Judah.

Certain of the leaders stood up against the Israelite army and warned them they also were in jeopardy of being punished the same way because of their own sins. If they added this evil to their record, they surely would bring wrath from the Lord upon the entire nation. With a complete change of heart, the army of Israel left the captives and the spoil in front of the princes and all the congregation of the Israelite people and went to correct this grievous error. What did they do? They took the spoil they had taken in battle and used it to clothe the captive women, children and old people and carry them back to their homes. Who ever heard of such? They took that same spoil, which their victorious army had brought away, to clothe, feed, shoe, and anoint, these distressed people, set the feeblest of them upon asses, and escort them safely to Jericho.

God had delivered Judah into the hands of their enemies because their king had made them to sin. He humbled them and made them naked before the world so they could learn a lesson. Then, as if nothing had been learned at all, Ahaz committed one more sin, which was to take gold and precious things from the house of the Lord to try to buy allegiance from Assyria, but Assyria did not help him when the enemy came to attack again. At his death, Ahaz was buried without honor in Jerusalem. He was not thought worthy of a burial in the kings’ tombs (2 Chr. 28:27). Surely Ahaz spoiled his own wardrobe and caused Judah to follow his evil example.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chr. 7:14).

QUESTIONS:

What was a major sign God gave to show Ahaz that he was displeased with him and Judah (2 Chr. 28:4-5)?
What did Ahaz cause Judah to do in their worship (2 Chr. 28:2-3)?
Of what did God’s prophet (Oded) remind the children of Israel when they took Judah captive (2 Chr. 28:9-11)?
What New Testament principle do we see in this example (James 2:13)?
Who were the main ones who listened to God’s warning (2 Chr. 28:12)?
What did the Samaritans do to show they believed God’s warning (2 Chr. 28:15)?
What does God require us to do today to our enemies? ( 5:44-45)
What further sin did Ahaz commit to show he had faith in men but not in God (2 Chr. 28:19-25)?
What did God do after Ahaz’ death to show He was angry with him? (2 Chr. 28:27)?
RESEARCH QUESTION: Using Naves’ Topical Bible at:

TOPICAL INDEX SEARCH RESULTS: SPOIL

Look up the various accounts of times when spoil was taken.

From the scriptures given, list the things that were taken.
Explain how the spoil was divided between the ones who fought and the ones who did not (of the Israelites, including priests and Levites).
Finally, explain how some of it was dedicated to the Lord and by whom.

In some Bible dictionaries, the word spoil will have a cross reference to take you to the word booty. Notice the definition of spoil/booty: plunder and spoils of war. Booty consisted of everything of value taken in battle-gold and silver, clothing, food, household items, weapons, implements of agriculture, camels, sheep, cattle, as well as men, women, and children to be used as slaves (Gen. 14:11-12; Jer. 49:32).

-Beth Johnson

GRACE (God’s Favor) COMES BY:

Posted on December 26, 2015December 26, 2015 by BETH

FAITH

Hebrews 12:14, 15—Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
Romans 5:2-4—By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope.

Continue reading GRACE (God’s Favor) COMES BY: